Case report. Pregnancy in women with an eating disorder

Abstract

Introduction

Pregnancy has been described as a period of symptomatic stability for women diagnosed with eating disorder (ED). However, a poor control of alimentary symptoms before and during pregnancy is associated with higher risk of adverse effects during childbirth and the postpartum period. A case report is presented and a bibliographic review is carried out.

Methods

The authors take the case of a 33-year-old woman diagnosed with anorexia nervosa during adolescence, who becomes pregnant at the age of 30. A non-systematic review was carried out using the Pubmed database using keywords [eating disorder] AND [pregnancy]. Studies of more than 5 years were excluded. The patient's informed consent was obtained. This work complies with the agreements of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Results

Eutocic delivery was carried out without incidents. Currently, the baby is 5 months old, his weight is adjusted to his age and his neurodevelopment is normal. Although the patient denies restrictions or purgative behaviors, she has lost weight in postpartum and has recovered her pre-pregnancy body mass index. No major affective symptoms have been observed in this period.

Discussion/Conclusions

Pregnancy and postpartum period constitute periods of greater vulnerability in terms of eating symptoms in patients with EDs. Emphasis should be placed on a multidisciplinary approach with the aim of avoiding the appearance of associated risk factors both for the mother and the baby.